Regional accountancy firm Bishop Fleming, which has its largest office in Bristol, has promoted Andrew Sandiford to managing partner, taking over from Matthew Lee, who held the post since 2001.
Andrew, a partner in Bishop Fleming’s Bath office and head of its corporate and business services group, will now lead a newly constituted management board. The changes came into effect on January 1.
Under Matthew’s leadership the firm has doubled in size, quadrupled its turnover and extended the reach of its work both nationally and internationally.
Bishop Fleming chair Ian Smith said: “The restructuring of our management team is an important step for a firm of our size and ambition.
“I’d like to thank Matthew for his years of leadership. His track record certainly provides a great launch pad for the future.”
Matthew added: “I am proud to have led Bishop Fleming for the last 16 years and of our achievements – particularly our ‘excellent’ rating with Investors in Customers and our 42nd place in the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For rankings. I am pleased to hand over the reins to Andrew who will further drive our business forward.”
The firm, which provides accounting, tax and business consultancy from its seven offices across the South West and West Midlands, recently secured its place in magazine Accountancy Age’s UK Top 30 league table and as the number one firm in the academies sector. Last year it won Large Practice of the Year at the Practice Excellence Awards.
Last September it reported a 12% increase in annual organic turnover to £22.3m.
Andrew Sandiford said: “We are entering an exciting new phase for Bishop Fleming and I am delighted to be taking up this position as we look to build on our growth and achievements.
“Our commitment to client service excellence will ensure the continuation of our outstanding rate of growth and client satisfaction. There is much work to do as our industry faces the challenges presented by the unprecedented economic and political situation, but I am confident we are well placed to continue to thrive in these promising times.”
Pictured: Andrew Sandiford, left, with Ian Smith
